Two-Dimensional Perfectly Inelastic Collisions

In summary, a 25000 kg truck moving at 40 m/s on a road angled at 17° collides with a 10000 kg van moving at 25 m/s on a road angled at 60° at an intersection. Since this is a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision, the final velocity of the wreck is unknown without the equation for this type of collision. When dealing with components that are not resolved in x and y directions, the first step is usually to use trigonometry to resolve them.
  • #1
scoop91
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A 25000 kg truck moving at 40 m/s on a road angled at 17° hits a 10000 kg van moving at 25 m/s on a road angled at 60° at an intersection between two the two roads. Since this is a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision, what is the final velocity of the wreck?


Not sure about which equation to use



Attempt at solution: Instantly stuck. Our professor did not give us the equation for two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision.
 
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  • #2
Thinking about any 2 dimensional problem such as kinematics, what is usually the first step when dealing with components that are not resolved in x and y directions?
 

FAQ: Two-Dimensional Perfectly Inelastic Collisions

What is a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision?

A two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision is a type of collision where two objects collide and stick together after the collision, forming a single object. This type of collision is characterized by a loss of kinetic energy and conservation of momentum.

How is momentum conserved in a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision?

Momentum is conserved in a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision because the total momentum of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This means that the sum of the individual momenta of the objects before the collision is equal to the sum of the momenta of the single object after the collision.

What is the equation for calculating the velocity of the combined object after a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision?

The equation for calculating the velocity of the combined object after a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision is v = (m1v1 + m2v2) / (m1 + m2), where m1 and m2 are the masses of the individual objects and v1 and v2 are their respective velocities before the collision.

How does a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision differ from an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved, whereas in a two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision, there is a loss of kinetic energy due to the objects sticking together after the collision. Additionally, in an elastic collision, the objects bounce off each other, while in a perfectly inelastic collision, they stick together and move as one object.

What are some real-life examples of two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collisions?

Some real-life examples of two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collisions include a car crash, a bullet hitting a target and getting embedded in it, or two pieces of clay sticking together after being thrown against a wall.

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